Northeastern Ethiopia Research Articles

Knowledge towards health impacts of climate change among Amhara Sayint community, Northeastern Ethiopia

Purpose This study aims to assess the knowledge of Amhara Sayint district community in Northeastern Ethiopia towards the health impacts of climate change. Design/methodology/approach A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 July to 5 September 2022, involving 605 randomly selected households in Amhara Sayint district, Northeastern Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pilot-tested and content-validated questionnaire administered via Kobo Collect survey tool. The data were then exported to STATA for management and analysis. A proportional odds approach of ordinal logistic regression model was fitted with a 95% confidence level to identify factors associated with the community’s knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change. Findings Of the total respondents, 3.47% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1, 5.3) and 42.98% (95% CI: 38.9, 47) had inadequate and medium levels of knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change, respectively. Proportional odds model analysis result indicated that gender (female) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.053, 2.13), wealth status (poorest) (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.83), educational status (unable to read and write) (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.25, 13.68) and participation status in environmental protection activities (not) (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.71) were factors that significantly associated with inadequate and medium levels of knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change. Research limitations/implications The result of this research is not supported by qualitative methods. Practical implications Residents of the study area know the climate is changing; however, they lack adequate knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change. Social implications Significant number of people have inadequate level of knowledge about health impacts of climate change so relevant health education is needed. Originality/value This research is original in its focus on assessing public knowledge about the health impacts of climate change in the Amhara Sayint district, northeastern Ethiopia, a perspective often overlooked in existing studies. Its findings are crucial for guiding future research and developing targeted public health strategies and educational initiatives.

Adherence to infection prevention practices and associated factors among healthcare workers in Northeastern Ethiopia, following the Northern Ethiopia conflict.

In resource-limited areas, especially in conflict-affected settings, managing the risk of hospital-acquired infections is difficult due to the destruction of essential facilities in healthcare settings. The study aimed to assess adherence to Infection prevention practices and associated factors among healthcare workers in Northeastern Ethiopia following the Northern Ethiopia conflict. A facility-based cross-sectional study was done with 408 healthcare workers. The survey data was collected using a structured questionnaire based on published articles. Data entry and analysis was done using Epi-Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 25.0, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between dependent and outcome variables, with a cut-off p value 0.05 at 95% confidence interval with a p-value less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval for determining factors associated with adherence to infection prevention practices among study participants. The study included 408 healthcare workers with a response rate of 96.7%. The majority of participants were women 206 (50.5%), married 250 (61.3%), Orthodox followers 211 (51.7%), and educational status of master holder and above with a master's degree or higher 177 (43.4%). Slightly more than half, 53.7% (219) of the respondents demonstrated safe infection prevention practices. Respondents who received training on infection prevention practices (AOR = 2.662, 95% CI: 1.361, 5.120) had an active infection prevention committee (AOR = 2.203, 95% CI: 1.359, 3.572), use infection prevention guidelines in working departments (AOR = 2.090, 95% CI: 1.013, 4.312), and access to adequate personal protective equipment (AOR = 2.773, 95% CI: 1.560, 4.929) were factors significantly associated with adherence to infection prevention practices. Overall, only half of the respondents practiced safe infection prevention practices. Receive training on infection prevention guidelines, presence of active infection prevention committee and working guidelines, and the availability of personal protective equipment were factors of infection prevention. Hence, essential facilities like Personal protective equipment, working guidelines should be supplied by donors.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Physical Activity and It’s Associated Factor Among Women Attending Antenatal Care at Public Health Institutions in Debre Berhan Town, North Eastern Ethiopia

Physical inactivity is linked to pregnancy-related complications. Exercise participation during pregnancy is restricted in low-middle income nations, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess factors associated with physical activity practice among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health institutions in Debre Berhan Town Northeastern Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 22, 2021 to May 22, 2021 in Debre Berhan Town. The systematic random sampling technique was used to obtain the 418 participants. Data were collected by using standardized questionnaires. Data were entered, cleaned by Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. The variables which had p-value < .05 and with 95% confidence interval were declared as determine factors of antenatal physical exercise. According to this study, 222 (53.1%, CI [48.3, 57.7]), 220 (52.6% [47.8, 57.2]), and 218 (52.2% [CI 47.6, 56.7]) of respondents had good knowledge, favorable attitude, and good practice of physical exercise respectively. Age group of 30 to 34 years (AOR: 2.15, 95% CI [1.08, 4.29]), housewife (AOR: 7.81, 95% CI [1.48, 41.21]), cultural recommendation (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI [1.37, 3.39]), exercise before pregnancy (AOR: 2.69, 95% CI [1.72, 4.19]), and gestational age >24 weeks (AOR: 2.538, 95% CI [1.02, 6.29]) were factors associated with practice of physical exercise during pregnancy. Physical activity during pregnancy was more common in the current study than in the national average. During an ANC visit, health care providers should improve and strengthen physical activity counseling sessions.

Diabetic health literacy and associated factors among patients with diabetes attending follow-up in public hospitals of Northeastern Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the magnitude of diabetic health literacy (DHL) and associated factors among diabetes patients attending follow-up at public hospitals in Northeastern Ethiopia.DesignAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 24...

Provenance, paleoweathering, sediment maturity, and depositional environment of intertrappean sediments in Angot–Gazo volcanic plateau, northeastern Ethiopia: Evidence from field mapping, petrography and geochemistry

Numerous intertrappean beds have been reported in different sections of the Ethiopian highlands; however, their detailed paleo-sedimentological characteristics have not been fully examined. This study investigates the source rock composition, tectonic setting, degree of past weathering, paleoclimatic conditions, sediment maturity, and depositional environments of the Angot–Gazo terrestrial sediments through geological mapping, mineralogical analysis, and geochemical approaches. Two terrestrial beds, consisting of mudrock and sandstone, were identified. The sandstone is characterized by massive, medium to coarse, and poorly sorted grains that range from sub-rounded to angular shapes. Minerallogically, the sandstone comprises quartz, feldspar, and lithic fragments grains with a proportional amounts of ash material. Both mineralogical (Q–F–R) and geochemical classification plots categorize the sandstone as arkosic to lithic greywacke. Felsic volcanic rocks are the main source material for the investigated sediments, as evidenced by multiple discrimination plots (DF1 vs. DF2, V–Ni–Th∗10, La–Th–Sc, Cr/Th–Th/Sc, La/Co–Th/Co, La/Sc–Th/Co and Y/Ni–Cr/V), LREE/HREE patterns, elemental ratios, and the appearance of abundant felsic-derived lithic fragments within the sandstone. A new bivariate discriminant function plot from DF1 vs. DF2 analysis, coupled with ternary diagrams of Zr/10–Th–Sc for the studied intertrappean sediments, revealed a continental rift setting, particularly a passive continental margin. Ternary diagram of A–CN–K, binary plots of Al₂O₃/Na₂O vs. average values of weathering indices (CIA, CIW, PIA, & MIA), and SiO2 vs. Al2O3+K2O + Na2O plot demonstrate slight to moderate degree of weathering for the sandstone, and deep weathering for the mudrock under semi-arid paleoclimatic conditions. The binary schemes of SiO2/Al2O3 and Ni–TiO2 ratio, along with the significant abundance of angular to sub-angular framework grains, reflect both immaturity and initial sediment recycling. Finally, the examined sediments were deposited in freshwater under oxic conditions, as evidenced by binary plots of Sr/Ba, Th/U, U/Th, and Ni/Co.

Livelihood vulnerability to climate change health impacts among Amhara Sayint district community, northeastern Ethiopia: A composite index approach

Climate change significantly impacts public health, affecting nearly everyone across the globe and contributing to approximately 10% of global mortality. Ethiopia is particularly vulnerable to the changing climate attributed impacts due to economic, and social determinants. While research on climate change is expanding, it often prioritizes its effects on agriculture. The impacts from public health perspective are frequently overlooked. We address this shortcoming by evaluating the vulnerability of the community in the district of Amhara Sayint, Amhara, northeastern Ethiopia, to the health impacts of climate change, and identifying factors involved. Data was collected using a community-based cross-sectional approach, involving 605 randomly selected households between July Twenty and September Five, 2022. The data collection process utilized a validated and pilot-tested questionnaire, which was administered through face-to-face interview with the aid of Kobo Collect toolbox. The community's vulnerability was assessed using the IPCC's framework of vulnerability. Household's Vulnerability status was then classified into three levels according to their Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) score. A partial proportional oddsapproach of ordinal logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with vulnerability to climate change attributed health impacts. Among the 605 respondents, 48% (95% CI: 44.1, 52.1) were identified as vulnerable, and about 4.6 % (95% CI: 3, 6.6) were classified as highly vulnerable. Wealth status (AOR1 = 1.8; 95 % CI: 1.2, 2.8), educational status (AOR1 = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.3), marital status (AOR2 = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.6, 13.4), and home crowdedness (AOR2 = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1, 8.1) significantly associated with vulnerability. Over half of the residents in the district wereeither being vulnerable or highly vulnerable to climate change attributed health impacts. Therefore, prioritizing prevention and preparedness along with conducting spatial analysis to identify high-risk areas for timely intervention, is essential.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Q fever and Rift Valley fever in pastoralists and their livestock in Afar, Ethiopia: A One Health approach.

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, and Rift Valley fever virus are two under-researched zoonotic pathogens in Ethiopia. Potential outbreaks of these diseases, in light of the high dependency of nomadic pastoralists on their livestock, poses a risk to both human and animal health in addition to risking the pastoralists livelihoods. Our study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for Q fever and Rift Valley fever in pastoral communities in the Afar region of north-eastern Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study screened pastoralists (n = 323) and their livestock (n = 1377) for IgG antibodies to Coxiella burnetii and Rift Valley fever virus. A seroprevalence for Q fever of 25.0% (95%CI 18.6-32.6) was found in pastoralists and 34.3% (95%CI 27.9-41.3) in livestock overall; with 51.9% in goats (95%CI 44.9-58.8), 39.9% in sheep (95%CI 24.6-51.2), 16.3% in camels (95%CI 10.4-24.6) and 8.8% in cattle (95%CI 5.0-15.0). For Rift Valley fever the seroprevalence in pastoralists was 6.1% (95%CI 3.3-11.0) and 3.9% (95%CI 2.6-5.7) in livestock overall; cattle had the highest seroprevalence (8.3%, 95%CI 3.3-19.2), followed by goats (2.7%; 95%CI 1.4-5.1), sheep (2.5%; 95%CI 1.0-5.9) and camels (1.8%; 95%CI 0.4-6.9). Human Q fever seropositivity was found to be associated with goat abortions (OR = 2.11, 95%CI 1.18-3.78, p = 0.011), while Rift Valley fever seropositivity in livestock was found to be associated with cattle abortions (OR = 2.52, 95%CI 1.05-6.08, p = 0.039). This study provides evidence for a notable exposure to both Q fever and Rift Valley fever in pastoralists and livestock in Afar. The outbreak potential of these pathogens warrants ongoing integrated human and animal surveillance requiring close collaboration of the human and animal health sectors with community representatives following a One Health approach.

Center–periphery relations in Ethiopia during the Dergue (1974–1991): the case of Afar

ABSTRACT The concept of center–periphery relations extends from the relations of the central government and peoples of not so highly organized peripheries within a state to the relations between developed and developing nations. These relations are dynamic and flexible and can be influenced by national, regional, and international developments such as political changes. The center–periphery relations in Ethiopia are periodically categorized as pre-1974, militaristic period (1974–1991), and post-1991. In this paper, I try to show the change and continuity of the center–periphery relationship of Afar people in Ethiopia from 1974 to 1991. Using the available sources, I try to demonstrate the nature of center–periphery relationship between the military government and the Afar people as center and periphery, respectively. In addition, I try to show the determining factors that affect the center–periphery relations in the period under study. The Afar Triangle, which is composed of north eastern Ethiopia, south eastern Eritrea, and Djibouti, is the natural border between Africa and the Arab world and the main trade line of Ethiopia to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Afar people of Ethiopia and Eritrea were under the rule of the Dergue government. The ideological change and reforms following the 1974 revolution, insurgencies movement in the region, and foreign relations and external trade determined the relations between the central government and the Afar people. Although there was an attempt to handle the people of Afar through sharing power and resources, the center continued to dominate power and resources in the region.

Cultural competence and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals of South Wollo zone, Northeast Ethiopia: a multi-center cross-sectional study

BackgroundEnhancing cultural competence stands as a cornerstone in the realm of clinical nursing. Consequently, nurses engaging with culturally diverse communities encounter significant challenges. In Ethiopia, nurses providing care often prioritize physical well-being, the therapeutic journey, and medical interventions, while overlooking the critical cultural dimensions of patient care. Therefore, this study aims to assess the level of cultural competence and its determining factors among nurses employed in public hospitals located in the South Wollo Zone of northeastern Ethiopia.MethodsA multicenter, institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 629 nurses employed in public hospitals across northeastern Ethiopia. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were gathered using a structured, self-administered English version of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale Questionnaire (NCCSQ), and subsequently entered into Epi-data 4.6 for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing multiple linear regression analysis to identify determining factors.ResultThe participants’ overall mean score for cultural competence was 3.198 [95% CI: 3.161, 3.234]. Specifically, factors such as being a female nurse (β = 0.089, CI: 0.019–0.159), having a diploma level of education (β = -0.084, CI: -0.101 to -0.007), having 11–20 years of work experience (β = 0.412, CI: 0.090–0.815), a 1:15 nurse-to-patient ratio (β = 0.081, CI: 0.010–0.162), experience with caring for culturally and ethnically diverse patients (β = 0.362, CI: 0.248–0.476), comprehensive hospital level (β = 0.699, CI: 0.496–0.903), and attending cultural training (β = 0.002, CI: 0.234–0.931) were predictors of the mean score for cultural competence.ConclusionIn this study, the level of cultural competence was found to be at a moderate level and need more effort. Factors such as gender, years of work experience, nurse-to-patient ratio, experience in caring for culturally and ethnically diverse patients, hospital level, educational attainment, attendance of cultural training, and the presence of a feedback system for cultural competence were identified as predictors of cultural competence level. Sharing experiences from higher-level hospitals to lower-level ones and strengthening cultural competence training sessions for nurses can significantly enhance cultural competence within clinical settings.

Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease Among Patients Attending at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie, Amhara Region, Northeastern Ethiopia: Unmatched Case–Control Study

Introduction: The incidence of chronic kidney disease is rising, primarily due to its asymptomatic nature of the disease and poor access to early detection and management services. In Ethiopia, little is known about the context-specific risk factors. This study aimed to identify the risk factors of chronic kidney diseases in Northeast Ethiopia, focusing on patients attending Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, in 2022. Methods: A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was employed among chronic kidney disease patients at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, from May 10 to July 15/2022. Cases were all patients who were diagnosed with chronic kidney diseases at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital while controls were patients without chronic kidney diseases. For each case, two controls were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire with the support of a document review was used to collect the data. The data were entered into Epi data version 4.6 and exported to Stata version 14 software for analysis. During bivariable logistic regression analysis, variables having p-value <0.2 were entered and analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors associated with chronic kidney diseases. Statistical differences were considered at P < 0.05, and the strength of association was assessed by adjusted odds ratio and respective confidence intervals. Results: A total of 78 cases and 156 controls were included in this study. This study revealed that factors such as being male [AOR: 2.54, 95%CI (1.125- 5.754)], the presence of hypertension [AOR: 5.33, 95%CI (2.107-13.489)], diabetic-mellitus [AOR: 3.64,95%CI (1.530- 8.671)], kidney stone [AOR: 3.91,95%CI (1.492- 10.257)], and underground water source usage [AOR: 2.63,95%CI (1.108-6.262] were statistically significantly associated factors with chronic kidney diseases. Conclusion: In our study, being male, the presence of hypertension, diabetic mellitus, diagnosis of a kidney stone, and underground water usage were independent risk factors for chronic kidney diseases. Therefore, policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders should emphasize the aforementioned factors to forestall the development and progression of the disease. Furthermore, routine urinalysis and glomerular filtration rates for all hospitalized patients with hypertension and diabetes-mellitus could help to detect chronic kidney diseases at an early stage.

Health Services Utilization and Associated Factors among Internally Displaced Persons in South Wollo Zone, North-Eastern Ethiopia

Health Services Utilization and Associated Factors among Internally Displaced Persons in South Wollo Zone, North-Eastern Ethiopia

Epidemiology of an overlapping and parallel infection of Sexually Transmitted Infections among pregnant women in North-east Ethiopia: Its implication for prevention of mother to child transmission.

The burden of parallel and overlapping infections of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), particularly HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are disproportionately higher among pregnant women globally, leading to unwanted consequences. These infections pose significant public health challenges as they can be transmitted vertically to the offspring. This study aimed to determine the sero-epidemiological patterns and predictors of STIs (HIV, syphilis, HBV, and HCV) among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics at ten health facilities in North-eastern Ethiopia. An institution-based multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted from May to November 2022 among 422 pregnant women selected using simple random sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics and predictor variables of STIs through face-to-face interviews. Venous blood was collected and it was tested for anti-HIV, HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-Treponemal antibodies using immunochromatographic test kits. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors of STIs. Variables with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of STIs was 23.9% (95% CI = 20.08-28.25). The prevalence of parallel infections of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis were 6.4%, 9%, 1.7%, and 6.9%, respectively. The overlapping infections for HIV-HBV was 4% but HIV-HCV overlapping infection wasn't found. Increased age, tattooing, multiple sexual partners, exposure to unsafe sex, and RH status were independent factors of HBV. Likewise, increased age, rural residence, illiteracy, and tattooing were independently associated with HCV. Moreover, rural residence and a history of tattooing were independent predictors for the acquisition of HIV, whereas multiple sexual partners and RH status were found to be significant predictors of syphilis infection among pregnant women. The magnitude of overlapping and parallel STD infections is still continued to be a problem among pregnant women. Moreover, there were overlapping infections of HBV-HIV. Therefore, continuous screening of pregnant women for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and C infections should be performed, and special attention should be given to pregnant women who have co-infections.

Local sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) on‐farm genetic diversity status and possible determinants from Wollo lowland areas, northeastern Ethiopia

AbstractVarious agricultural crops are the world's sources of food, fodder, and energy. However, conservation management and diversification constraints remain a challenge. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the status of local agricultural sorghum genetic diversity and potential determinants of the Wollo lowlands in northeastern Ethiopia. The greatest extent of local sorghum abundance was demonstrated in the study areas with the highest value being 4.25 DMg and 2.89 DMn in Werebabo district. However, 2.97 DMg and 2.04 DMn were recorded as the relatively lowest indices in Tehuledere province. In fact, the extent and type of diversity, measured by the number of varieties per farm, varied from region to region. Farmer perceived constraints such as late maturity, blending fluency, distance to nearest market (km), small land ownership, end‐use quality, and plume size attributed to these deviations. The priority of the constraints was first determined by ranking the constraints based on the answers received from the respondents and then calculating the rank‐based quotient. Several categorical variables of these constraints also showed a significant association with the status of local farm sorghum genetic diversity at p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.001. In general, the status of genetic diversity of local sorghum farms was low in all the provinces studied. Therefore, the seed exchange network between local farmers should be encouraged to use and conserve diversity on a daily basis. Community seed banks should also be established to enhance the conservation of beneficial local sorghum germplasm and maximize locally adapted sorghum landrace profiles.

Early initiation of complementary feeding practice and its associated factors among children aged 6 to 24 months in Northeast Ethiopia

BackgroundEven if there is currently no research on food integration practices, there is an unreliable hole in the data for the first motives, especially 6 to 24 months, research at ages varies in different ways, always, but the child’s development affects an important part of both the child and the parents. This gap limits our comprehensive knowledge of strategic choices and—their potential impact on children’s overall health and well-being. Therefore, the aim of this study was factors shaping complementary feeding for 6 to 24-Month-Olds in Northeast Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based survey was conducted in northeastern Ethiopia from June to July 2022. A sample of 409 mothers with infants aged 6 to 24 months was selected using a simple random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was adopted and data were collected by an interviewer. Collected data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and subsequently converted to SPSS version 21 for further analysis. Variables with a P-value < = 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression model. Multivariable logistic regression analyses aimed at identifying independent associations between early initiation of supplement feeding and determinants-adjusted odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the strength of associations. P-values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 409 mothers with their children were included in the analysis, revealing a prevalence of 38.1% for early initiation of complementary feeding among children aged 6–24 months. Factors associated with -early initiation included place of residence (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 3.63, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.1–11.95), husband’s educational status (AOR 16.83, 95% CI 1.98–24.8), maternal occupation (AOR 21.2, 95% CI 1.11–46.9), number of antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR 25.94, 95% CI 22.7–85.67), initial breastfeeding time (AOR 4.98, 95% CI 1.22–14.9), and medical illness (AOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.12–3.6.ConclusionSignificant associations with Complementary Feeding were identified with the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits, postnatal care (PNC) check-ups, current residency, breastfeeding initiation time, maternal medical illness, and occupational status. To mitigate the early initiation of complementary feeding, it is recommended to enhance ANC/PNC services and educate mothers about the precise timing for introducing complementary foods to their infants.

Contribution of Fuel Wood Income from Natural Forests to Household Economy in Delanta District, Northeastern Ethiopia

For Ethiopia’s rural homes, particularly those in the Delanta district, fuelwood is the primary energy source. This suggests that the impact of fuel wood from the forest to family energy use or income is significant. The goal of the current study was to estimate how much annual fuel wood harvested from forests contributes to household consumption and monetary income. 96% of the forest’s income comes from fuelwood. In the study area, it contributes 2,013,539 Birr, or 33%, of all family income. 703,014 ETB, or 23.8% of the total subsistence income, and 1,310,525 ETB, or 40.65% of the total cash income of the tested households, are both covered by fuelwood from the forest. Both socioeconomic and physical characteristics close to the users influenced how dependent a household was on fuelwood income from the forest. The data obtained from randomly selected households by survey method have been subjected to multiple regression analysis and obtained that households’ reliance on fuelwood income from the forest was significantly influenced by factors such as age, educational level, number of trees owned, distance to forest, distance to market, and nonforest income, all of which had a negative and significant impact. The only significant factor that significantly and positively influences reliance on fuelwood income from the forest is the number of family members. Therefore, preserving a natural forest through the use of alternative energy sources, such as electricity, or encouraging a plantation on one’s own property is a potential discipline for mandating climate change prevention.

Risk perception of patients with chronic illnesses toward the SARS-CoV-2 in northeastern Ethiopia in 2020

IntroductionSever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 infections have been sharply rising in Ethiopia, and the virus significantly increases morbidity and fatality rates in patients with coexisting chronic conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate Risk perception of patients with chronic illnesses toward the SARS-CoV-2 in northeastern Ethiopia in 2020. MethodsFrom July 21 to August 5, 2020, a cross-sectional study was carried out in a hospital setting with individuals who had chronic illnesses. The study populations included all patients with chronic conditions. The study employed multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the factors that influence patients' evaluation of the Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 as low-risk. ResultsFour hundred thirteen chronic illness patients participated in this study. Overall, individuals' perceptions of their risk of contracting the Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 were low in 37.3 % (95 % CI: 32.4–41.9). The results of multivariable analysis showed that low perception of risk towards the outcome was strongly correlated with young adults (AOR = 2.21; 95 % CI: 1.26–3.87), female sex (AOR = 2.16; 95 % CI: 1.37–3.42), and face mask nonusers (AOR = 2.17; 95 % CI: 1.35–3.49). ConclusionAccording to this survey, a significant number of patients thought the pandemic posed little risk. The sense of low-risk towards the disease was independently predicted by being female, being a young adult, and not wearing face masks. Patients with chronic illnesses must get focused and enhanced health education in order to lower their elevated risk of morbidity and death.

Time to death and its predictors among neonates admitted with sepsis in neonatal intensive care unit at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northeast Ethiopia.

In impoverished nations like Ethiopia, neonatal sepsis contributes significantly to neonatal mortality. Despite variations in the specific timing of death and predictors of neonatal mortality associated with sepsis across different settings, there's limited documented information in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of northeastern Ethiopia. Consequently, the aim of this study was to determine time to death and its predictors among neonates with sepsis admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in comprehensive specialized hospitals in northeastern Ethiopia. A prospective cohort study conducted at the institution level involved 306 neonates diagnosed with sepsis. Data collection utilized face-to-face interviews and chart reviews. Subsequently, the data were inputted into Epi-data version 4.6 and later analyzed using STATA version 17. The median time to death was determined, and both the Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were applied. Furthermore, a Cox proportional hazard regression model was utilized to identify predictors of neonatal mortality associated with sepsis. The cumulative incidence of mortality among neonates admitted with sepsis was 34% (95% CI: 28.9%-39.5%). The neonatal mortality rate stood at 51 (95% CI: 42.1, 62) per 1,000 neonates admitted to the intensive care units with sepsis over a total of 1,854 person-days of observation. Additionally, the median time to death was 13 days (IQR = 5-23 days). Tachypnea [AHR 6.2 (95% CI: 1.5-9.7)], respiratory distress syndrome [AHR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3-3.5)], lethargy [AHR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2-2.6)], preterm birth [AHR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2-2.7)], continuous positive airway pressure use [AHR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3-3.4)], home delivery [AHR 2.63 (95% CI: 1.1-6.4)], Subgalea hemorrhage [AHR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1-3.9)], and low platelet count [AHR 5.9 (95% CI: 2.3-8.6)] were found to be predictors of time to death in neonates with sepsis. The study revealed an alarmingly high neonatal mortality rate among septic neonates, underscoring the urgency for intervention. Enhancing the quality of care in neonatal intensive care units, bolstering infection prevention during procedures such as continuous positive airway pressure, exercising caution with locally made accessories, and reinforcing a culture of institutional delivery are critical in curbing neonatal sepsis-related mortalities.

Evaluation of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) Attractants in Northeastern Ethiopia

A study was conducted in South Wollo and North Wollo administrative zones of northeastern Ethiopia in 2018; Torula yeast, protien hydrolase, methyl eugenol, trimed lure and terpinyil acetate were evaluated for adult fruit fly species complexes trapping. Four fruit fly species was trapped; Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis cosyra, Ceratitis capitata and Ceratitis fasciventris. Bactrocera dorsalis was the most abundant species accounted for 97.9% of the total trapped adults. The number of B. dorsalis C. cosyra and C. capitata showed a significant difference among trapping locations and attractants; The highest number of B. dorsalis was trapped with methyl eugenol at Kalu (722.2 flies/ trap/ week); C. capitata was higher at Habru which was guava and coffee dominated habitat while C. cosyra was relatively higher at Kobo which is mango dominated; more adults were trapped in male lure traps (97.03%) than food-based attractants (2.97%); food-based attractants could be valuable alternatives for detection and monitoring of fruit flies.

Level of knowledge about neonatal danger signs and associated factors among postpartum mothers in public hospitals, northeastern Ethiopia

BackgroundKnowing and seeking medical attention for neonatal danger signs has many benefits for reducing neonatal morbidity and death. Despite numerous interventions that have been made to raise mothers’ awareness about neonatal danger signs, the desired level of knowledge has not yet been reached in Ethiopia. ObjectiveTo assess the level of knowledge of neonatal danger signs and associated factors among postpartum mothers in public hospitals in the Eastern Amhara region, northeastern Ethiopia. MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in four government hospitals between January 10, 2023, and February 10, 2023.421 participants in the study were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews, observation, and chart reviews were used to collect the data. The association was discovered through multivariate logistic regression analysis. ResultOnly 36.6% (154) of mothers were knowledgeable about newborn danger signs in this study. Mothers who had higher institution status [(adjusted odds ratio) AOR = 3.355, 95% CI (1.751, 6.428)]; who were civil servants or a private employer [AOR = 2.986, 95% CI (1.822, 4.892)] and [AOR = 2.544, 95% CI (1.269, 5.138)]; and who had counseling about breastfeeding [AOR = 2.614, 95% CI (1.695, 4.029)] were positive predictors of awareness of neonatal danger signs. ConclusionIn this study, the level of mothers' awareness of newborn danger signs was low and required more effort. Moreover, mothers who were educated, worked as civil servants or private employers, had a family size of 4–6, and received breastfeeding counseling were linked to mothers’ good awareness of newborn danger signs. As a result, intensive community and facility-based health promotion activities on newborn danger signs should be strengthened, with special emphasis on uneducated and housewife mothers and breastfeeding counseling sessions.

Species Composition of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Selected Fruit Crops in Northeastern Ethiopia

A study was conducted to characterize the species composition of fruit flies in South Wollo and North Wollo administrative zones of northeastern Ethiopia. Fruit flies were collected using two methods: rearing from infested mango, guava, and sweet orange fruits and trapping the adults with male lures and food-based attractants. Three fruit fly species were recovered from the fruits collected: Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis cosyra, and Ceratitis capitata; in addition to these species, Ceratitis fasciventris was trapped. Bactrocera dorsalis was the most abundant species and accounted for 97.9 and 78.89% of the total trapped and emerged adults, respectively. The number of B. dorsalis and C. capitata showed a significant difference among trapping locations and attractants. The highest number of B. dorsalis was trapped with methyl eugenol at Kalu (722.2 flies per trap per week). Among the indigenous fruit fly species, C. capitata was higher at Habru which was guava and coffee-dominated habitat, whereas C. cosyra was relatively higher at Kobo which is mango dominated. More adults were trapped in male lure traps (97.03%) than in food-based attractants (2.97%). Hence, fruit fly management should focus on guava and mango crops which host all the fruit fly species, including the dominant B. dorsalis.